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Brace Cordova #1
The Cordova Vector
After five years in a military prison, all he wants is to catch the first starship home. The galaxy has other plans. Former UDC pilot Brace Cordova gets released with two things in mind; a strong desire to go back to Earth and the certainty that no good deed goes unpunished. His plans unravel when a notorious crime boss comes looking for revenge for something Brace didn't do. At least not on purpose, anyway. Things escalate when the crew of a starship operating on the razor's edge of the law comes to his aid and sweeps him up in the search for an ancient relic. Pursued by gangsters as well as a ship of the Commonwealth Fleet, Brace has to figure out how to deal with his new crewmates while not doing anything that could land him back in prison. As secrets are revealed and events come to a climax in the dark reaches of unexplored space, Brace might not just lose his shot at a quiet life, but everything he loves as well. The Cordova Vector is the first book in The Brace Cordova Trilogy, a thrilling space opera complete with diverse alien races, ruthless criminals, dedicated soldiers, and millennia-old mysteries. If you like your science fiction full of action and adventure, then you'll love C.Steven Manley's The Cordova Vector.
- GenresScience Fiction
327 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2016
40 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
C. Steven Manley
15 books36 followersThe man that most people just call 'Chuck' was born in the winter of the year of the summer of love to a couple of crazy kids from the deep woods of Alabama.
He came up the rough way, riding out his excessively dramatic home life on a steady diet of escapism courtesy of comic books, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels, and any kind of TV show or movie that could show him a hero he could believe in, fictional or otherwise.
Straight out of high school, he joined the USAF and got out after only a single tour. He never wanted to be just one thing so he set about exploring the country and collecting skills, knowledge, and interests like a boxer collecting scars.
Eventually he settled into the healthcare world where he worked for well on thirteen years before getting disillusioned and burned out. Fortunately, a lovely young woman had taken pity on him by then and joined her life to his giving him beautiful children and the chance to stay home and care for them while writing his books.
There is irony in that because through all his life of seeking to not be 'one thing' and live a life filled with the road less traveled, he has always been a writer.
He has also always wondered why authors are expected to write these things in third person.
He came up the rough way, riding out his excessively dramatic home life on a steady diet of escapism courtesy of comic books, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels, and any kind of TV show or movie that could show him a hero he could believe in, fictional or otherwise.
Straight out of high school, he joined the USAF and got out after only a single tour. He never wanted to be just one thing so he set about exploring the country and collecting skills, knowledge, and interests like a boxer collecting scars.
Eventually he settled into the healthcare world where he worked for well on thirteen years before getting disillusioned and burned out. Fortunately, a lovely young woman had taken pity on him by then and joined her life to his giving him beautiful children and the chance to stay home and care for them while writing his books.
There is irony in that because through all his life of seeking to not be 'one thing' and live a life filled with the road less traveled, he has always been a writer.
He has also always wondered why authors are expected to write these things in third person.
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July 23, 2019After falling in love with Mr. Manley's other book: Master of Hounds, I was curious to read more of his work.
The Cordova Vector is not as good, but still enjoyable and quite gripping. If you love stories set in the far future, where aliens and humans inhabit space stations and travel around on a cool spacecraft, with interesting dynamics between the crew members, and a protagonist - fresh out of jail, who is trying to fit in? Then give it a go!
The action scenes, the characters that have distinctive personality and quirks, the alien-world building was definitely worth it. Plot is not as original, but I didn't mind it. However, it's quite obvious the author loves ex-military protagonists, so don't be surprises if you find a whole bunch of similarities with Master of Hounds. :)
The Cordova Vector is not as good, but still enjoyable and quite gripping. If you love stories set in the far future, where aliens and humans inhabit space stations and travel around on a cool spacecraft, with interesting dynamics between the crew members, and a protagonist - fresh out of jail, who is trying to fit in? Then give it a go!
The action scenes, the characters that have distinctive personality and quirks, the alien-world building was definitely worth it. Plot is not as original, but I didn't mind it. However, it's quite obvious the author loves ex-military protagonists, so don't be surprises if you find a whole bunch of similarities with Master of Hounds. :)
December 5, 2018
The Cordova Vector is and adventure of a lifetime, and one of the most enjoyable science fiction novels that I have ever read. Here are some of my reasons:
The characters are masterfully portrayed. They can be unique, complex, and witty. But I loved them because above all else, they were real. The way C.Steven Manley can make you care for and understand even aliens is a testament to his talent.
The storytelling is fun and engaging and the story has everything you could want in a book: suspense, humor, tragedy, romance, devotion, betrayal, and action. All of these are blended together to tell an exciting and gripping tale.
If you like a story of pirates, and smugglers on an adventure to discover new worlds and ancient secrets, than this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
Morality rating- the book contains sexuality, including off scene sex, violence, and drugs.
The characters are masterfully portrayed. They can be unique, complex, and witty. But I loved them because above all else, they were real. The way C.Steven Manley can make you care for and understand even aliens is a testament to his talent.
The storytelling is fun and engaging and the story has everything you could want in a book: suspense, humor, tragedy, romance, devotion, betrayal, and action. All of these are blended together to tell an exciting and gripping tale.
If you like a story of pirates, and smugglers on an adventure to discover new worlds and ancient secrets, than this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
Morality rating- the book contains sexuality, including off scene sex, violence, and drugs.
July 5, 2019
The setting wasn't bad, BUT, there are two things I minded in the worldbuilding department:
1. The tech level seems way too weak, if 9000 years have passed since today.
2. The races are all too humanoid with no exceptions, and they all seem to be able to eat the same food and breathe the same atmosphere.
Someone compared it to Becky Chambers' works, but this is much weaker sci-fi and is purely action filled without any deeper ideas expressed - unlike Becky Chambers.
That said, disregarding the quality of the sci-fi aspect, the writing is actually pretty solid and enjoyable (except for the use of "aye-that" which just becomes irritating after a while). I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, but I won't be continuing the series.
1. The tech level seems way too weak, if 9000 years have passed since today.
2. The races are all too humanoid with no exceptions, and they all seem to be able to eat the same food and breathe the same atmosphere.
Someone compared it to Becky Chambers' works, but this is much weaker sci-fi and is purely action filled without any deeper ideas expressed - unlike Becky Chambers.
That said, disregarding the quality of the sci-fi aspect, the writing is actually pretty solid and enjoyable (except for the use of "aye-that" which just becomes irritating after a while). I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, but I won't be continuing the series.
December 3, 2018
"We'll blow that hatch when we come to it, Captain."
Simply stunning. In his after notes, the author states that he wanted to write a "... thrilling space adventure that had the feel of the ancient seafaring as explorers ". Well, he has certainly hit the thrilling part to perfection. But so much more, too. The characterisations are superb, the crew of the Mithril Phoenix taking on ever greater solidity as the main protagonist, former first lieutenant Leslie Cordova, known as Brace, gets to know them better. Much of the story, though not all, is seen through Brace's eyes. His personal background, hopes and much of his personality is presented to the reader effortlessly in the opening chapters as he is released from a five year term of imprisonment.with the one desire to stay clean and make it back to Earth. Needless to say, it doesn't quite happen like that. Why was he imprisoned in the first place? - we have to wait until over half the book is read before we find that out.
Well crafted with excellent dialogue, great characterisations, sardonic humour, thrills and action aplenty all set within a mystery thriller plot which glues the reader to the pages - this is a book not to be missed. My deep thanks to Book Review 22 for gifting me a copy of The Cordova Vector. This was my first book by C.Steven Manley: it will definitely not be my last.
Second reading:
( Format : Audiobook )
"Some days you eat the bear. Some days the bear ...
....eats you!"
Lesley Earl Cordova ('Just call.me Brace'), a pilot just released from five years imprisonment and stripped of his military crudentials, is rescued from a fight on his first day of freedom by the enigmatic captain of a pirate ship in need of a second pilot. Several of the crew members of the Phoenix are less than welcoming, and Brace, still dressed in his bright yellow prison garb and determined not to go back, would have preferred not to be involved with pirates. But with little cash, no immediate job prospects, a love of flying and someone out to get him, his choices were limited; so he joins the ship's crew on a probationary (for both sides) period, little knowing at the time that the first job involves going into the Black in search of a 9000 years old lost vessel being sought by the archaeology client, a woman of seemingly limitless funds - and a dream.
Superbly narrated by Michael Norman Johnson, who reads intelligently with good intonation and separate voicing for all of the protagonists, human and alien alike, this is a well written, exciting voyage of discovery, pursuit, battles and first contact in the uncharted areas of space. An excellent melding of narrator and text.
My deep thanks to the rights holder of The Cordova Vector who, following my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read/listen, the plot holding attention throughout and the characters well developed. Despite being far future based science fiction, there was a real sense of immediacy and reality and great character interaction. A second book, The Cordova Invection, has already been written and I hope that this, too, will soon appear in audio. Recommended to all who enjoy space adventures: this is a really good one
Simply stunning. In his after notes, the author states that he wanted to write a "... thrilling space adventure that had the feel of the ancient seafaring as explorers ". Well, he has certainly hit the thrilling part to perfection. But so much more, too. The characterisations are superb, the crew of the Mithril Phoenix taking on ever greater solidity as the main protagonist, former first lieutenant Leslie Cordova, known as Brace, gets to know them better. Much of the story, though not all, is seen through Brace's eyes. His personal background, hopes and much of his personality is presented to the reader effortlessly in the opening chapters as he is released from a five year term of imprisonment.with the one desire to stay clean and make it back to Earth. Needless to say, it doesn't quite happen like that. Why was he imprisoned in the first place? - we have to wait until over half the book is read before we find that out.
Well crafted with excellent dialogue, great characterisations, sardonic humour, thrills and action aplenty all set within a mystery thriller plot which glues the reader to the pages - this is a book not to be missed. My deep thanks to Book Review 22 for gifting me a copy of The Cordova Vector. This was my first book by C.Steven Manley: it will definitely not be my last.
Second reading:
( Format : Audiobook )
"Some days you eat the bear. Some days the bear ...
....eats you!"
Lesley Earl Cordova ('Just call.me Brace'), a pilot just released from five years imprisonment and stripped of his military crudentials, is rescued from a fight on his first day of freedom by the enigmatic captain of a pirate ship in need of a second pilot. Several of the crew members of the Phoenix are less than welcoming, and Brace, still dressed in his bright yellow prison garb and determined not to go back, would have preferred not to be involved with pirates. But with little cash, no immediate job prospects, a love of flying and someone out to get him, his choices were limited; so he joins the ship's crew on a probationary (for both sides) period, little knowing at the time that the first job involves going into the Black in search of a 9000 years old lost vessel being sought by the archaeology client, a woman of seemingly limitless funds - and a dream.
Superbly narrated by Michael Norman Johnson, who reads intelligently with good intonation and separate voicing for all of the protagonists, human and alien alike, this is a well written, exciting voyage of discovery, pursuit, battles and first contact in the uncharted areas of space. An excellent melding of narrator and text.
My deep thanks to the rights holder of The Cordova Vector who, following my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read/listen, the plot holding attention throughout and the characters well developed. Despite being far future based science fiction, there was a real sense of immediacy and reality and great character interaction. A second book, The Cordova Invection, has already been written and I hope that this, too, will soon appear in audio. Recommended to all who enjoy space adventures: this is a really good one
January 17, 2017
The Cordova Vector: Brace Cordova Book One
By: C. Steven Manley
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Cordova Vector: Brace Cordova Book One by C. Steven Manley is a science fiction/exploration book. After five years in a military prison, all former UDC pilot Brace Cordova wants is the catch the first starship home. Fate has other plans for him. When a notorious crime boss comes looking for him he is rescued by the crew of a starship that operates on the razor’s edge of the law. Now he has to figure out how to deal with his new crewmates while not doing anything that could get him sent back to prison. There are secrets that are revealed and events take a dark turn while they are in unexplored space. Will Brace or any of the crew survive?
This story is like a high-speed train that will have you turning pages and holding your breath waiting for the next shoe to drop. The story is first rate and the characters are well developed. It’s amazing how normal the first couple of chapters of this book are and then all of a sudden you get pulled along for the ride. The science fiction is first rate and I love the details that are given when their true mission is revealed. The sharp wit and tongue of Brace and the crew he is now part of will leave you laughing. I have loved science fiction ever since the day I picked up a book by Arthur C. Clark and have not put the genre down since. This story and characters bring me back to my first time reading sci-fi and all the wonder that goes with it. This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last. This is the first book in the series and I can’t wait to read book two. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
By: C. Steven Manley
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Cordova Vector: Brace Cordova Book One by C. Steven Manley is a science fiction/exploration book. After five years in a military prison, all former UDC pilot Brace Cordova wants is the catch the first starship home. Fate has other plans for him. When a notorious crime boss comes looking for him he is rescued by the crew of a starship that operates on the razor’s edge of the law. Now he has to figure out how to deal with his new crewmates while not doing anything that could get him sent back to prison. There are secrets that are revealed and events take a dark turn while they are in unexplored space. Will Brace or any of the crew survive?
This story is like a high-speed train that will have you turning pages and holding your breath waiting for the next shoe to drop. The story is first rate and the characters are well developed. It’s amazing how normal the first couple of chapters of this book are and then all of a sudden you get pulled along for the ride. The science fiction is first rate and I love the details that are given when their true mission is revealed. The sharp wit and tongue of Brace and the crew he is now part of will leave you laughing. I have loved science fiction ever since the day I picked up a book by Arthur C. Clark and have not put the genre down since. This story and characters bring me back to my first time reading sci-fi and all the wonder that goes with it. This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last. This is the first book in the series and I can’t wait to read book two. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 8, 2019
I'm not usually a Sci-Fi fan but this one intrigued me so I read it. The story starts off with the main character being released from prison and it takes off quickly from there. It's very action-packed and definitely is a hard one to put down. I don't want to give anything away in the story so I won't say too much, but I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series. Just know that if you enjoy adventures, thrillers or sci-fi's this one is sure to please. The narrator does an amazing job with the storytelling, different voices and accents--- it really adds to the fun of the book.
I would say that this is geared towards the young adult crowd with the language and some sexual content.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I would say that this is geared towards the young adult crowd with the language and some sexual content.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 23, 2018
This one started off a little slow to me, if i have to be honest. but most of them do, it picked up. I found myself laying in bed not wanting to sleep until the end of the book. looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in this series.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
December 16, 2018
Brilliant page turner
This book has a nice story to it, a bit like a saga in a Sci-fi setting. Generally it has a very nice feel to it and I can't wait to read the next book. It tied off most plots and side plots whilst leaving some for the next book. Thank you for a great fast lighthearted book Mr. C. S. Manly.
This book has a nice story to it, a bit like a saga in a Sci-fi setting. Generally it has a very nice feel to it and I can't wait to read the next book. It tied off most plots and side plots whilst leaving some for the next book. Thank you for a great fast lighthearted book Mr. C. S. Manly.
August 28, 2019
Great space drama
Brace Cordova is a likable character, getting out of prison, when a set of circumstances place him on the run from mob like characters. The only safe option is on the space craft Mithrel Phoenix as it travel on an archeological expedition into unknown space.
Brace Cordova is a likable character, getting out of prison, when a set of circumstances place him on the run from mob like characters. The only safe option is on the space craft Mithrel Phoenix as it travel on an archeological expedition into unknown space.
November 26, 2017
Really awesome read
When I started into this book, I wasn't sure it would hold my interest, but it turned into a thriller.
When I started into this book, I wasn't sure it would hold my interest, but it turned into a thriller.
December 3, 2017
Good
Typical space opera, plenty of adventure, engaging characters, intrigue, action, first book in the series will read the next one.
Typical space opera, plenty of adventure, engaging characters, intrigue, action, first book in the series will read the next one.
March 25, 2018
Fun
This was a great space adventure. It was quick, well written and fun. I wish the characters had a bit more substance to them but I really enjoyed this one.
This was a great space adventure. It was quick, well written and fun. I wish the characters had a bit more substance to them but I really enjoyed this one.
December 19, 2022
Basic. In the same way that a light but entertaining action movie is basic. There's space khajiit, pirates, crime bosses, criminals, and the long arm of military law. Light plot, some holes, but entertaining. Don't expect perspective shifting, mind bending, expansive opera sci fi here, but sometimes that's exactly what a reader wants.
Audiobook narrator is ok. The dude is into it, performing the text, not just reading it, as good narrators do, but he keeps mispronouncing words, on repeat. Foliage hit me like a cheese grater across the knuckles. Then he switches up the pronunciations of console and council. If folks mispronouncing words doesn't jar you then the narration is better than ok. I know the last time I heard pot-pour-ee, the correction ripped out of me first, and I registered my words after, so this narration didn't go over well with me.
I finished it, and most things I follow through to the end on will be 3 or higher. Except Wuthering Heights. Fudge that book.
Audiobook narrator is ok. The dude is into it, performing the text, not just reading it, as good narrators do, but he keeps mispronouncing words, on repeat. Foliage hit me like a cheese grater across the knuckles. Then he switches up the pronunciations of console and council. If folks mispronouncing words doesn't jar you then the narration is better than ok. I know the last time I heard pot-pour-ee, the correction ripped out of me first, and I registered my words after, so this narration didn't go over well with me.
I finished it, and most things I follow through to the end on will be 3 or higher. Except Wuthering Heights. Fudge that book.
January 16, 2022
Great read! NJ
I liked this book, lot's of action! Interesting storyline, fun characters, battles galore,c don't know what else to say, highly reccomended, read it now, fun read, I'm impressed with it. Don't know else too say, interesting characters, fun read
I liked this book, lot's of action! Interesting storyline, fun characters, battles galore,c don't know what else to say, highly reccomended, read it now, fun read, I'm impressed with it. Don't know else too say, interesting characters, fun read
August 11, 2019
This was a pretty good book, humorous characters, spaceships, aliens and enough action to be interesting.
May 19, 2020
5/10: Finished the book and it was above average.
August 22, 2022
The MC is a side character and absolutely moron that just follows whomever and accepts everything.
September 2, 2025
Well written space opera. The problem is that the author is a fantasy writer and was not comfortable writing it, so unfortunately, there are only two books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews